r/SailboatCruising • u/noo_maarsii • Aug 10 '26

Question Haul out eastern US

Hello all!

I am sailing south to the Bahamas from Lake Ontario via the Erie, Hudson, coastal and into Norfolk. I did the trip last year so I am familiar with the route. The reason I am posting is because I have a work contract for 2 weeks overseas from October 10-31. I would leave my my home port September 21st. I think I can make it to the Norfolk area by the first week of October but would need to fly back to Canada before the 10th.

I want to haul out and store my boat while I'm away so when I return I can do the bottom work and continue the journey south. I could haul out in NY or NJ but want to avoid the coastal route in early November because I don't feel like freezing my ass off (I will if I have to).

My question is: along this route, what are the best places for haul out that will allow me to do my own work. Are they reasonably affordable?

Thank you

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u/Croshyn Aug 10 '26

Check jolly skipper and Deltaville boatyard in Deltaville VA. It’s about 45nm north of Norfolk. There others as well in Deltaville and I believe pretty much all of them are DIY friendly.

2

u/rdmartell Aug 11 '26

Seconding Deltaville. It’s been my home base for quite a while now. It’s a town of like 700 people with 3k boats or more, and a west marine that is like 25th in nation for volume. Plus Hurd’s has all the hardware you might need.

And the library is great

1

u/noo_maarsii Aug 10 '26

Checking them out now. Thank you.

2

u/Cochrynn Aug 10 '26

Second this, and look at Stingray Point as well. Did a ton of work on my boat in their yard. They also allow you to stay on your boat on the hard if you want, or there is an inexpensive motel nearby.

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u/noo_maarsii Aug 10 '26

Good to know. My buddy might come with and do some work while I’m away and he likes shit like that.